IU Bloomington Names School of Education Dean

(photo courtesy Indiana University)

The Indiana University Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of Lemuel Watson as dean of the IU School of Education in Bloomington. The appointment comes as the university splits the school of education between its Bloomington and IUPUI campuses.

Watson currently serves as a professor of education and the executive director of the Center for Innovation in Higher Education at the University of South Carolina. He has previously served as dean of the university’s College of Education, as well as the Northern Illinois University College of Education. 

Watson is not a stranger to Indiana. He earned his master’s degree in adult and student development at Ball State University and his doctoral degree in higher education and policy at IU.

IU Bloomington Provost Lauren Robel says Watson’s appointment is an "important next step" for the School of Education following its restructuring. 

"Dr. Watson is an excellent choice to lead the next chapter in the history of our excellent School of Education," said Robel. "He has an international and national reputation in education policy and is an active and thoughtful participant in the policy debates about the role of education in our society."

IU announced the split of its school of education into two institutions last August. Earlier this month, IUPUI announced Jesse Perez Mendez would be the founding dean of its School of Education.

Both Watson and Mendez will begin their new roles August 1. IU says current School of Education Dean Terry Mason will return to the faculty of the Bloomington school.